Mathematics

Mathematics is more than just numbers. Our students learn to be great problem solvers, communicators, and leaders. Strong problem solving abilities and outstanding analytical skills are highly sought qualities by employers in a variety of industries.

Intellectual enrichment and enhanced marketability will benefit all students exposed to the structural and logical patterns which a background in mathematics provides.

What You Will Learn

Students will build a strong foundation of mathematical theory and applied mathematical skills.

The structural and logical patterns used in mathematics provides intellectual enrichment and greatly enhances the marketability of all students.

Program of Study

A University of Dubuque degree in mathematics prepares students to learn to be great problem solvers, communicators, and leaders. Applied areas of math study include: calculus, probability and statistics, and numerical analysis. Other courses such as discrete math and modern geometry foster creativity, critical thinking, and the use of the imagination, particularly in the understanding and development of justification and proof.

What Our Students Do

The University of Dubuque Mathematics Program allows for collaborative learning and a high level of instructor-student interaction due to smaller class sizes. Outside of class, students can engage in major-related activities such as mathematics competitions, STEM festivals, and group problem solving.

Where Our Graduates Go

University of Dubuque mathematics graduates obtain strong problem solving abilities and outstanding analytical skills which are highly sought qualities by employers in a variety of industries. Students completing a major or minor in mathematics will be prepared to pursue advanced study, teach, or work in the private sector.

News from the Department

"Curious Area and Volume Ratios" was started by UD professor Dick Smith in 2010. Dr. Dan Flath from Macalester University in Minnesota joined the project after hearing Prof. Smith's presentation to the Mathematical Association of America in April 2015. UD student Kris Nelson (C'16) developed ideas to extend the project into 3-D in September of 2015. The project was presented to the Bi-State Mathematics Colloquium in April 2015 at Loras College. Profs. Flath and Smith have been working on the proof pieces of the 3-D conjectures. Kris drew the model in stl format and now, thanks to UD professor Mark Woodhouse, we have a physical solid that we can hold in our hands. Dr. Jean Holdener has painted the solid in three colors. Kris will be presenting the work with Profs. Smith and Flath at the University of Minnesota on October 14 and 15, 2016. The next goal is to draw the whole study together for a journal article.

Jack Stefanski (C'15) was notified that his solution to a math problem found in the Mathematics Teacher journal, the most read journal for math educators, will be published! Only one student solution is chosen for publication each issue.

Mathematics - Program of Study

The courses below are a program sample of what students may encounter. Students will meet with their advisers to develop a personal educational program to plan their elective course choices, internships, undergraduate research, and other educational opportunities and experiences.

Alina Klein earned a B.S. in Economics at the Academy of Economics in Bucharest, Romania, in 2003, then a Ph.D. in Economics at West Virginia University in Morgantown, WV, in 2010. Before joining UD, she worked as Assistant Professor of Economics at Lynchburg College in Lynchburg, VA. Alina has publications in the International Economics and International Finance fields.

Rudy Klein received his Ph.D. in economics from West Virginia University (WVU) and B.S. in economics from the Academy of Economic Studies, in Bucharest, Romania. Before joining the University of Dubuque, he worked as a graduate teaching assistant at WVU, where he taught both online and traditional courses. Afterwards, he moved to Virginia and taught economics courses at Lynchburg College and Sweet Briar College.

Manning has lived in Dubuque since 2001 teaching at Emmaus Bible College full-time in the computer studies deparatment. He has a specialization in robotics and high-speed image processing and pattern recognition.

I have just started teaching as an adjunct at UD, however, I am in my 17th year teaching at Loras College., At Loras, I have been developing and teaching curriculum in Management Information Systems and Computer Science. I have taught various courses within Computing and Information technology areas, some of which are of: Computing Basics, Intro to Programming, Visual Basic Programming, Network Management, Database Management, Project Management, and Systems Engineering.

When I am not teaching, I enjoy my time off with my husband and two sons at our home about 10 miles south of Dubuque.

David has been an EDI Specialist with McKesson Health Solutions in Dubuque since July 2012. Previously, he was the Supervisor of Client File Management for Securian Financial Group in Saint Paul, MN. McElroy has developed production applications in Java, Python, Groovy, C#, PL/1 and PERL. He has extensive experience with Windows Server, Linux, Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, DB2, TIBCO BusinessWorks, TIBCO Foresight and MySQL.

Dawn Nelson is an adjunct professor teaching Intro to Computers and Computer Applications in Business. She is on campus Tuesdays and Thursdays. Nelson is from Delmar, Iowa and has three children all in college. She enjoys spending time on the river and camping with friends. She loves teaching and working with students. Nelson especially likes helping students succeed with class struggles and/or just to listen and be a supportive ear.

Careers in Mathematics

Mathematics is a diverse field of study. It opens students to a wide variety of job possibilities. Math skills, such as problem solving, are some of the most sought after by employers across a variety of industries.

BS Opportunities

People with a background in mathematics and, if necessary, relevant secondary fields of study, can pursue careers in accounting, actuarial science, biology, physics, chemistry, environmental science, business, finance, computer programming, and elementary and secondary mathematics. The possibilities are endless.

Post-graduate Opportunities

Students with a major in mathematics will be prepared to pursue graduate degrees in mathematics. An advanced mathematics degree opens doors for research, teaching, and industry positions.

Successful Outcomes

Zach MarottaMathematics & Secondary Ed. C'16

The University of Dubuque allowed me to grow as a person. I was able to pursue my dreams on and off the the football field. The faculty supported me the entire time. While I attended the University of Dubuque I was able to travel to multiple countries and learn about a variety of cultures. I was able to study multiple character values through the Wendt Character Initiative. My activity with the football team allowed me to apply what I learned in the Wendt program. I took advantage of the J-Term classes which took me to Westcott Elementary in Chicago, IL, Aldine Alternative High School in Houston, TX, and KIPP Columbus in Columbus, OH. The connection with KIPP Columbus gave way to the first step in my professional career. I owe everything to the University of Dubuque. Thank you University of Dubuque for providing such an awesome college experience!

Successful Outcomes

Blaine SnitkerMathematics, Secondary Ed., & Physical Education C'16

I believe the University of Dubuque has done a terrific job of getting me to where I am today. I am currently coaching football and teaching middle school mathematics in my hometown of Waukon, Iowa. Teaching back in Waukon was a goal of mine since the 10th grade. I have always wanted to positively influence others around me and what a better way of doing that than teaching. When attending the University of Dubuque, I was able to see the power and contagiousness of positive influences. During my time as a football player, my coaches were constantly trying to get every ounce of potential out of us physically, psychologically, and socially. That mindset of maximizing potential proved to be contagious as team unity and success became present. I was also surrounded by teachers whom positively influenced me not only as a scholar, but as a person. Conversations with professors was something I looked forward to very much. My involvement in the Wendt Character Scholar Program was something else I looked forward to each week. Through the program, I was to grow as a person and was constantly reminded of how my actions influence the world around me. As a teacher now, I continuously look back on my experiences at the University of Dubuque and think of how it positively influenced me as an athlete, scholar, teacher, and person. My goal now is to give my students and athletes a parallel experience during their time in middle school.